Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus survey - Wild Web viewRobinson’s Cairn and Pillar, Ennerdale - Peter Ullrich April 2015. Bird Monitoring 2015. Ring Ouzel . Turdus. torquatus. survey

Robinson’s Cairn and Pillar, Ennerdale - Peter Ullrich April 2015

Bird Monitoring 2015Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus survey

A report by Peter Ullrich commissioned by The Wild Ennerdale Partnership 2016 Forestry Commission, National Trust, United Utilities and Natural England.

Peter Ullrich Ornithological Consultant

25 Arlecdon Parks RoadArlecdon, Frizington

Cumbria CA26 3XGTel: 01946 861376

email: [email protected]

Bird Monitoring 2015Ring Ouzel Survey

Contents

Contents....................................................................................................................... 2Introduction and background.......................................................................................3..................................................................................................................................... 3Methodology................................................................................................................. 5Survey Results..............................................................................................................6

Ring ouzel Survey No1 - 09/04/2015.........................................................................6Ring ouzel survey No 2 - 10/04/2015........................................................................7Ring ouzel survey No 3 - 18/04/2015........................................................................8Ring ouzel survey No 4 - 18/04/2015........................................................................9Ring ouzel survey No 5 - 21/04/2015......................................................................10Ring Ouzel Survey No 6 – 22/04/2015.....................................................................11Ring Ouzel Survey No 7 – 30/04/2015.....................................................................12Ring Ouzel Survey No 8 – 02/05/2015.....................................................................13

Observations and Discussion......................................................................................14Summary................................................................................................................ 14Comparison between The 2007 and 2015 surveys.................................................14

Discussion.................................................................................................................. 18Recommendations......................................................................................................21Acknowledgements....................................................................................................22References, further reading and useful links..............................................................23Appendix A – The 2015 Surveys.................................................................................24Appeal for Records.....................................................................................................28Maps........................................................................................................................... 29

Page 2 | document.docx | May 5, 2023 |


Introduction and background

Male ring ouzel Hind Cove, Ennerdale – Peter Ullrich 10th April 2015

This report should be read in conjunction with the base line 2007 Ring Ouzel Report which can be found on the Wild Ennerdale website on the Monitoring page http://www.wildennerdale.co.uk/managing/monitoring/ under the “Birds“ section. It is useful to read the 2007 report in conjunction with this one. The 2007 report details interesting historical background data. Much of this is still relevant, but to avoid repetition will not feature in this report.

The Wild Ennerdale project is committed to long term monitoring of 3 key indicator bird species red grouse, ring ouzel and dipper. These iconic species have been chosen as their presence or absence can give us an insight in to the health of the particular habitats that these specialists inhabit. The first surveys were undertaken in 2007.

Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus is a long distant migrant that breeds in the high fells, usually above the 250 metre contour line and at times not far short of the high tops. It is a striking member of the thrush family and can be readily distinguished from its lowland cousin the blackbird Turdus merula by a white crescent on its breast. The song of the male is a simple two or three note phrase. This mournful lament is repeatedly delivered from a favourite perch such as a tree or rocky prominence and can carry for some considerable distance. Quite often the singing bird is heard yet it cannot be visually located. Birds start returning to their Lakeland breeding grounds from the end of March. There is also a spring passage of birds moving further north with the bulk of these passage birds moving through during April.

Ring ouzel is a red list Bird of Conservation Concern4 (BOCC 4 2015), a species of the highest conservation concern, having suffered large declines in population levels and a reduction in its breeding range at a county and national level and is recognized as an important member of the upland bird community within the Wild Ennerdale Project area. The project recognizes the importance of long-term monitoring for this key upland species, particularly as significant changes in habitat and management are likely to occur during the course of the project.

In 2007 it was decided to carry out an intensive species-specific survey to estimate the number of ring ouzel breeding territories within a defined study area within The Wild Ennerdale Project area.



It was decided to adopt the same methods as used by RSPB in monitoring the Mardale and Swineside ring ouzel populations.

This involves locating the singing males from mid-April to mid-June, pre/post dusk and pre/post dawn, these being the periods of peak song activity by males. Invariably Dave Shackleton (RSPB) who carries out the Mardale and Swinside surveys covers them during the pre-dawn period.

Unlike the 2007 survey no dusk and daytime surveys were undertaken. To fall in line with the RSPB surveys all 2015 surveys were carried out starting pre-dawn.

The 2007 established a baseline population for the ring ouzel study area, the study area being confined to the “southern rim” of the Wild Ennerdale Project area, and is defined as all suitable habitat between Goat Gill (six figure grid ref NY077148) in the west, to Greengable Crags (six figure grid ref NY214108) in the east. See map at the end of the report for extent of the ring ouzel study area.

The 2015 survey was scaled down and concentrated on locations that had a track record of breeding ring ouzel. (Using data from the 2007 Wild Ennerdale ring ouzel survey and the Cumbria Bird Club archive.

The 2015 ring ouzel survey will compare its findings with the 2007 survey.



Methodology The objectives of this survey differ from those of the 2007 baseline survey and can be described as such:-

To estimate the number of singing (territorial) males present at known historical sites (see above) along the southern rim of the Wild Ennerdale Project area, to be carried out in a cost effective and readily repeatable method.

Timing - Carry out survey work from Mid-April to Mid-June. Weather - Ideally dry and no wind, but it is possible to carry out the survey in

light to moderate winds. Locate singing males pre-dawn at the pre-selected sites. Each potential ring

ouzel site must have at least one visit during this peak time. Secondary surveys can be undertaken post dawn at sites where there is likely looking habitat but without a history of breeding ring ouzel.

In effect this survey to comprise both a vantage point and a walkover component, thus ensuring good coverage of the suitable habitat.

The length of time spent at each vantage point should be 30 minutes However if it is established beyond reasonable doubt that there is a ring ouzel territory in less time than 30 minutes, then move on to the next VP as it is important to gather as much data in the peak song activity period around dawn as possible.

A global positioning system (GPS) to be used to record the survey track and all vantage points to be entered in to the device. The track log and waypoints to be downloaded on to Memory Map software and stored on a personal computer (PC).

On arrival at the VP all ring ouzel activity to be mapped as accurately as possible and recorded on to a field survey map. The aim is to estimate the number of singing males and/or pairs. Each observation to be given a unique code. Locations, flight lines, displays and calling birds to be mapped using standard British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) notation.

A note of any ring ouzel singing simultaneously is particularly important, as this establishes the locations of different/adjacent territories. Birds are likely to move between locations during the survey and a close watch on the movement of specific individuals should be made so as to avoid the risk of double counting. Any uncertainty as to whether the bird has been previously recorded should be noted, as this will help to estimate the true number of males recorded. Again, this can be shown using standard BTO notation.

As part of the survey work is to be carried out in the dark and the survey area is extremely rugged in nature with patchy mobile phone coverage the surveyor to use a “SPOT” satellite messenger to keep in touch with a designated “buddy”. Additionally and in the interests of safety the surveyor must be kitted out with appropriate mountain equipment, survival equipment, navigational equipment, head torch and spare batteries and must be First Aid trained and carries a First Aid Kit. The surveyor should also have experience of working in the mountain environment.

Make hard copies of each survey map which clearly show the findings. At the end of the survey estimate the number of ring ouzel territories, as

indicated by singing males or pairs.



Survey ResultsFor details of survey routes, vantage points and locations of sightings please refer to the appendix (Pp19-22) and appropriate survey maps at the back of the report. All times are BST.

Ring ouzel Survey No1 - 09/04/2015

Site No 4 - Location of singing male – Spoil heap near ancient holly – looking east from VP1 at NY1007 1456 – 285m asl – Peter Ulrich

VP1 - NE flanks of Crag Fell - site no 4VP at spoil heap – Grid ref NY1007 1456 - 05:17-06:25hrsReg 1 - male RZ flies in to rowan c80m SE of VP1 and sings 06:17-06:25hrs at NY10101453 - 300m aslReg 2 - 06:25 hrs same RZ flies NW to a rowan and sings. NY10001459 - 300m aslReg 3 - 06:30hrs same RZ to rock and sings. NY09901473 - 300m aslVP2 – Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles – site no 3 – VP at the Pinnacles - Grid ref NY0960 1471– 07:00-07:30hrsNo registrations

Summary of results:

Site no 3 - Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles – No registrationsSite no 4 - N.E. flanks of Crag Fell - 1 singing male



Ring ouzel survey No 2 - 10/04/2015

Site no 14 – Looking west towards Hind Cove from High level route – Peter Ulrich

VP1 - PillarCove/Pillar Rock - site no 13 (Grid ref NY1720 1267 - 05:30-05:45hrs)Reg 1 - 05:38 - RZ "chacks" 100m to west - too dark to see.05:40 - RZ male sings high up on Pillar Rock c750m asl. It is thought this is same bird as heard at 05:38hrs.On walk up to Robinson's cairnReg 2 - 06:14-06:20hrs - 2 male RZ sing simultaneously one on Shamrock the other on ridge above Robinson's cairn - both are seen and heard - both approx at c750m aslVP2 - Hind Cove - site no14 (Grid ref NY NY1779 1220 - 06:40-07:10hrs)Reg 3 - 06:54hrs - RZ pair seen foraging at Potentilla Cinquefoil site.07:00hrs - the pair fly overhead and forage 100m NW of VP2, watched until 07:07hrs.The male RZ that sings above Robinson's cairn in reg 2 is thought to be the same male as seen in reg 3 that is paired up with a female seen in Hind Cove.VP3 - Green Cove West - site no15 (Grid ref NY1819 1204 - 07:34-08:04 hrs)Reg 4 - 07:36hrs - Possible RZ chacks briefly, bird not seen (VP at Proud Knott)07:38hrs - Possible RZ sings very briefly, bird not seen presumably same bird as 07:36hrsNote: Aural records at VP3 are low confidence due to extreme brevity of occurrence.To verify RZ territory at this site it should be revisited and survey carried out at peak time before sunrise.VP4 - Green Cove/Looking Stead - site no15 (Grid ref NY1841 1200 - 08:28-08:48hrs)VP in Green Cove – No registrations

Summary of results:

Site no 13 - PillarCove/Pillar Rock - I singing maleSite no 14 - Hind Cove - 1 singing male (also seen foraging with female)Site no 15 - Green Cove/Looking Stead - Possibly 1 singing male




Site no 16 – Kirkfell Crags –Peter Ullrich

VP 1 - site no 16 -Kirkfell CragsGrid ref NY1940 1148 - 05:05-05:10 hrsReg 1 - 05:05hrs - male RZ sings, heard several times Kirkfell Crags, too dark to seeVP2 - site No 16 - Kirkfell Crags - 05:17-05:47hrsReg 1 - 05:40hrs - same male RZ heard singing on Kirkfell Crags as from VP1, good visibility now, but bird is never seen. Bird is probably c650-700m aslVP3 - site no 17 - Boat How Crags (Kirkfell) - 06:43-07:13hrsNo registrationsVP4 - site no 18 - Gable Crag/Greengable Crag - 07:50-08:05hrsNo registrations

Summary of results:

Site no 16 - Kirkfell Crags - 1 singing male - bird heard, not seenSite no 17 - Boat How Crags (Kirkfell) - No registrationsSite no 18 - Gable Crag/Greengable Crag - No registrations




Site no 9 – Mirk Cove and East slope Steeple –Peter Ullrich

VP1 - site no 10 - Long CragGrid ref NY1580 1211- 05:00 - 05:10 hrsNo registrationsVP2 - site no 9 - Mirk Cove/East slope SteepleGrid ref NY1593 1171- 05:30-06:00hrsReg 1 - 05:45hrs - RZ pair on side of Steeple, birds seen and heard "chakking" - at c700m asl05:54 hrs male flies east towards Mirk Cove - c650m asl

Summary of results:

Site no 9 - Mirk Cove/ East Slope Steeple - Pair seen foraging. Same bird(s) alarming - no singing heardSite no 10 - Long Crag - No registrations




Site no 8 - Mirklin Cove –Peter Ullrich

VP1 - site no 8 - Mirklin Cove/West Slope of SteepleGrid ref NY1533 1172 - 05:07-05:37 hrsReg 1 - 05:07- RZ male sings once, bird not seen05:19 hrs - RZ male sings once, again bird not seen - therefore can only guess at location.VP2 - site no 7 - Great Cove/Little Gowder CragGrid ref NY1460 1100 - 06:30-06:45hrsNo registrations

Summary of results:

Site no 8 - Mirklin Cove/West Slope of Steeple - RZ male sings, heard but not seenSite no 7 - Great Cove/ Little Gowder Crag - No registrations



Ring Ouzel Survey No 6 – 22/04/2015

Site No 3 – photo looking east from the pinnacles VP2 at NY0960 1471 – 404m asl – Peter Ulrich

VP1 - site no 3 - Revelin Crag/The PinnaclesGrid ref NY0938 1475 - 05:00-05:25 hrsNo registrationsVP2 - site No 3 - Revelin Crag/The PinnaclesGrid ref NY0962 1472 - 05:35-05:50hrsNo registrationsVP3 - site no 2 - Ben GillGrid ref NY0891 1482 - 06:15-06:30hrsNo registrations

Summary of results:

Site No 3 - Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles – No registrationsSite no 2 - Ben Gill – No registrations




Site no 5 – Boathow Crag (Side) – Peter Ullrich

VP1 - site no5 - Boathow Crag (Side) Grid ref NY 1115 1360 - 05:00-06:00hrsReg 1 - 05:00hrs - Probable Short-eared Owl flushed from heather - still darkReg 2 - 05:18hrs - RZ male sings once,not seen05:33hrs - RZ male sings once, again not seen

Summary of results:

Site no 5 - Boathow Crag (Side) - RZ male sings, heard but not seen.




Site no 15 – Green Cove/looking Stead – Peter Ullrich

VP1 - site no15 - Green Cove/Looking SteadGrid ref NY1849 1174 - 04:58-05:08hrsReg 1 - 04:58hrs - RZ sings, not seen but ground vis poor, only just getting light.05:01hrs - RZ heard chacking, not seenVP2 - site no15 - Green Cove West VP on Proud Knott Grid ref NY1820 1205 - 05:27-05:57hrsReg 2 - 05:57hrs - RZ male flies over VP from Green Cove and chacks, probably same bird as heard at VP1.

Summary of results:

Site no 15 - Green Cove/Looking Stead - 1 singing male heard - not seen at time, but seen later.

This survey confirms RZ for this site, as survey of Green Cove on 10/04/2015 was of low confidence and only had RZ as a possible.



Observations and DiscussionSummaryThe 2007 survey located 6 breeding territories whereas the 2015 located 8 breeding territories. In 2007 18 different locations were surveyed along the southern rim. They were selected either because they had a history of ring ouzel occupation or because the habitat looked as though it was capable of holding breeding ring ouzel.

Comparison between The 2007 and 2015 surveys(Please refer to Tables 1 and 2 on Pp14,15)

18 potential territories were identified and surveyed in 2007. Only 14 territories were surveyed in the 2015 survey. The 4 potential

territories dropped from the 2015 survey were site 1 - Goat Gill, site 6 - Silver Cove, site 11 - Black Crag/Windgap Cove and site 12 - White Pike/West flanks Pillar.

In 2007 there were 17 dedicated ring ouzel surveys in the Wild Ennerdale project area. 8 of these surveys covered the crucial pre-dawn period. 4 of these involved bivvying out on the fell and therefore also covered the dusk and post-dusk period. 9 of these surveys were supplementary surveys carried out during the daytime period.

In 2015 there were 8 dedicated ring ouzel surveys all of which covered either pre- dawn/post dawn periods.

Of the 18 potential territories within the southern rim study area, the 2007 survey found:

6 territories held either singing males or males which exhibited significant territorial behaviour.

A further 3 territories were where birds were seen, but these birds did not show any significant territorial behaviour.

Ring ouzel were not recorded in 9 of the potential territories

Of the 14 potential territories surveyed in 2015: 8 territories held either singing males or males which exhibited significant

territorial behaviour (including pairing with a female)..All 8 sites holding territorial males in 2015 are known sites with a previous history of occupation, as identified by CBC archive records or from the 2007 survey.



Table 1: Wild Ennerdale Summary of Ring Ouzel data.

Site Name Tetrad Atlas tetrad code

BTO 1988 to1991Atlas

CBC1997 to2001Atlas

Wild Ennerdale 2007Survey


1. Goat Gill NY0614 NY01S Not searched

Nil Seen Not searched

2. Ben Gill NY0814 NY01X

2 visits19881 breeding

ProbablyBreeds(suppl)

Seen Nil 3. Revelin Crag /The Pinnacles

NY0814 NY01X Pair/Singing male

Nil

*4. N.E. flanks ofCrag Fell

NY0814 NY01X Pair/Singing male(across both tetrads)

Singing male(across both tetrads)

*4. N.E. flanks ofCrag Fell

NY1014 NY11C 2 visits19881 breeding

Nil

5. Boathow Crag (Side)

NY1012 NY11B 2 visits 1988 Nil

Nil Nil Singing male

6. Silver Cove

NY1210 NY11F 2 visits 1988 Nil

Nil Nil Not searched

7. Great Cove/Little Gowder Crag

NY1410 NY11K2 visits19881 breeding

ProbablyBreeds(suppl)

Seen Nil

8. Mirklin Cove/West Slope Steeple

NY1410 NY11K Nil Singing male

9. Mirk Cove/East Slope Steeple

NY1410 NY11K Nil Pair - Note: Mirk Cove territory also just extends in to NY11Q

10. Long Crag

NY1412 NY11L 2 visits 1988 Nil

ProvenBreeds 2

Nil Nil

11. Black Crag/Windgap Cove

NY1610 NY11Q 1 visit 1990 Nil

ProvenBreeds 5.Tet mainly o/s study area

Nil

See note regarding site no 9.

Not searched

Site Name Tetrad Atlas tetrad code

BTO 1988 to

Site Name

Tetrad Atlas tetrad code



12. White Pike/West flanks Pillar

NY1612 NY11R

2 visits1990 Nil

ProbablyBreeds 2

Nil Not searched

13. Pillar Cove/Pillar Rock

NY1612 NY11R Singing male

Singing male

14. Hind Cove

NY1612 NY11R Singing male

Pair/Singing male

15. Green Cove/Looking Stead

NY1810 NY11V2 visits 1990 Nil

PossiblyBreeds (suppl)

Territorial alarming male

Singing/ territorial alarming male

16, Kirkfell Crags

NY1810 NY11V Singing male

Singing male

**17.Boat How Crags(Kirkfell)

NY1810 NY11VNil NilNY2010 NY21A 1 visit

19903 seen

ProvenBreeds(suppl)18. Gable

Crags/Greengable Crags

NY2010 NY21A Nil Nil

Note: *The N.E. flanks of Crag Fell ring ouzel territory spans the tetrads NY0814 (NY01X) and NY1014 (NY11C) ** Boat How Crags (Kirkfell) ring ouzel territory spans the tetrads NY1810 (NY11V) and NY2010 (NY21A) *** The Mirk Cove ring ouzel territory spans the tetrads NY1410 (NY11K) and NY1610 (NY11Q)

Not all the tetrads are wholly within the study area. Indeed, some tetrads with suitable ring ouzel habitat such as NY1610 (NY11Q) fall mainly outside the study area.

Please refer to the important notes in the “Historical Background Section” of the 2007 document, regarding the cautionary use of atlas data to provide baseline information.



Table 2: Comparison of site data

Site Name CBC ArchiveRecords 1997-2005



1. Goat Gill 0 S Not surveyed2. Ben Gill S S 0 3. Revelin Crag /The Pinnacles

B B 0

4. N.E. flanks ofCrag Fell

B B B

5. Boathow Crag (Side) B 0 B6. Silver Cove 0 0 Not surveyed7. Great Cove/Little Gowder Crag

0 S 0

8. Mirklin Cove/West Slope Steeple

B 0 B

9. Mirk Cove/East Slope Steeple

B 0 B

10. Long Crag 0 0 0 11. Black Crag/Windgap Cove

0 0 Not surveyed

12. White Pike/West flanks Pillar

0 0 Not surveyed

13. Pillar Cove/Pillar Rock

B B B

14. Hind Cove B B B15. Green Cove/Looking Stead

B B B

16, Kirkfell Crags B B B17.Boat How Crags(Kirkfell)

0 0 0

18. Gable Crags/Greengable Crags

B 0 0

Key to table 2: S = Seen; birds did not show any significant territorial behaviour.B = Breeding; singing males or males exhibiting significant territorial behaviour (including part of a pair).0 = no records.



DiscussionEssentially pre the 2007 survey, there was no baseline ring ouzel population data for The Wild Ennerdale Project area.

The Wild Ennerdale ring ouzel survey for 2007 identified 18 potential ring ouzel territories. 6 of these sites held singing/alarming males. The 2015 survey located 8 sites holding singing/alarming males or pairs.

The CBC archive 1997 to 2005 indicates the use of 10 different breeding territories, although it is not known whether each territory was occupied every year. For instance, without regular dedicated ring ouzel surveys it has never been conclusively established whether there have been different territories in Mirklin Cove/Western flanks of Steeple and Mirk Cove/Eastern flanks of Steeple in the same year, or whether these sites should be regarded as a single site with the territory covering both Mirk Cove and Mirklin Cove. Indeed, this area proved to be problematic again in 2015, with a pair located on the eastern flanks of Steeple and in Mirk Cove (site 9) on the 19/04/2015 and a singing male heard on the western slopes of Steeple (site 8) on 21/04/2015. Further visits would have been needed to verify the situation here, given that this was not possible under tight budget constraints the surveyor had to make a judgement call and it was decided that these sightings would be treated as different territories.

Surveys of “singing males before dawn” at Mardale Head at Haweswater and in adjoining Swindale in the north east Lake District were first conducted in 1989, again in 1998 and 2002 and have then been repeated annually since 2004. These showed a declining population to a low point in 2008 followed by a slow recovery (RSPB unpub.). However, the 1989 and 1998 surveys did not account for mobile birds associated with second nest attempts and may have over-estimated the population. Even if this is accounted for, the pattern of decline and subsequent recovery is still evident, but of a lesser scale (Fig x). Interestingly, intensive nest finding studies in Glen Clunie in the southern Cairngorms and in Rosedale on the North York Moors have both shown similar trends over the same timescale (I Sim & K Hutchinson pers. com.)



Figure x: Number of singing males at Haweswater 1989 – 2015 (graph courtesy of D.Shackleton)

89 98 02 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 150

5

10

15

20

25

It is likely that the 2007 Ennerdale survey coincided with a “low point” in ring ouzel numbers nationally and the increase from 6 territories in 2007 to 8 territories in 2015 mirrors the recovery in numbers as seen at Haweswater and the other study sites mentioned above.

The most recent review of the status of birds in the UK - Birds of Conservation Concern 4 2015 (BoCC4) classifies ring ouzel as a Red-listed species due to a 72% decline in the breeding population over the last 25 years. Additionally, it is amber listed due to a 43% decline in breeding range between 1988-91 and 2007-11. Recent studies aimed at understanding these declines suggest that low firstyear, and possibly adult, survival may be the main demographic mechanism driving the decline. The research priorities are now to identify the factors affecting survival, determine where these factors are operating, and find management solutions. (Innes Sim et al 2010) Increasingly many long distance migrants such as ring ouzel are suffering steep declines. Given these concerns the increase in numbers in Ennerdale from 6 territories in 2007 to 8 territories in 2015 is pleasing.

Data from the Bird Atlas 2007-2011 (Balmer et al BTO) appears to indicate a range reduction in the Lake District with sites being lost on the south western and north western fringes of the National Park. The absence of ring ouzel at site no 3 “Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles” during this survey could well be part of this range reduction, with sites being lost from the periphery of the core Lakeland population, especially as this site is the most westerly of the Ennerdale sites and likely to have been the most westerly of Lakeland sites in recent times. Interestingly this site is also one of the lowest of the Ennerdale sites with most bird activity historically in the range of 300-400m asl.

The sites which held ring ouzel territories this time but weren’t recorded in 2007 were site no 5 - Boathow Crag, site no 8 - Mirklin Cove/West Slope of Steeple and site no 9 – Mirk Cove/East Slope Steeple, all of which are historical sites and recorded in the Cumbria Bird Club archive prior to the 2007 Wild Ennerdale ring ouzel survey.

Reasons for these recent declines are not well understood and research is presently being undertaken to identify the causes.

Ring ouzel is a Bocc4 and a Cumbrian Biodiversity Action Plan species (CBAP) of high conservation concern and is recognized as an important member of the upland bird community within the Wild Ennerdale Project area, and as there are likely to be significant changes in habitat, the project recognizes the importance of long-term



monitoring for this key upland species, particularly due to recent worrying declines throughout its range.



Recommendations My recommendations are broadly the same as in 2007:

Establish the Wild Ennerdale southern rim study area as an area to promote the research and conservation of ring ouzel.

Adopt a long term monitoring programme. Repeat the survey every five to ten years



AcknowledgementsMany thanks to the following:

Dave Shackleton, an avid ring ouzel enthusiast, who supplied Cumbria Bird Club archive records as well as data from his Haweswater study.

Also many thanks for the help and support provided by Gareth Browning (Forestry Commission), Rachel Oakley (National Trust) and Simon Webb (Natural England)..



References, further reading and useful linksBalmer, Gillings,Caffrey,Swann,Downie& Fuller (2013) Bird Atlas 2007-11 The breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland, BTO

Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre http://www.cbdc.org.uk/bird-atlas-maps -Detailed maps from Bird Atlas 2007-11 The breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland, BTO records collected by Cumbria Bird Club, BTO and other dedicated lovers of Cumbrian birds.

Cumbria Bird Club, Ring Ouzel archive

Gibbons et al 1993 “The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland 1988-1991”

Shackleton D. (2005) Ring Ouzels in Cumbria – a review and request for data. Cumbria Bird Club - Bird News Vol. 16 No1 spring 2005.

Shackleton D & Hind C (2009) Cumbrian Ring Ouzel Study

Shackleton D Ring Ouzels at Haweswater 1989-2010

Sharrock (1976) “The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland 1968-1972”

Sim et al (2010) The decline of Ring Ouzel in Britain published in British Birds April 2010

Stokoe R (1962) The Birds of the Lake Counties

Stott et al. (2002) The Breeding Birds of Cumbria – A Tetrad Atlas 1997-2001.

Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC 4) 2015 www.bto.org/science/monitoring/psob


http://www.cbdc.org.uk/bird-atlas-maps


Appendix A – The 2015 SurveysFor details of survey routes, vantage points and locations of sightings please refer to the appropriate survey map. All times are BST.

Ring ouzel Survey No1 - 09/04/2015 Site no 4 - N.E. flanks of Crag Fell Site no 3 – Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles. Return route via Ben Gill. Start Bleach Green car park 04:25hrs - end back at car 08:36hrs.Distance walked: 5.6kmAltitude climbed: 400mWeather:Weather VP1Starts in dark - No cloud - Wind SE F0-2 - Vis c15kmWeather VP2Offical sunrise 06:26hrs - Actual sunrise over Red Pike 06:52hrs – Sunny - No cloud - Wind F0-1 - Vis c15kmVantage point details:VP1 – NE flanks of Crag Fell - site no4 - spoil heap – Grid ref NY1007 1456 – 285m aslVP2– Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles – site no 3 – Grid ref NY0960 1471 – 404m asl


Site no 13 – Pillar Cove/Pillar Rock, Site no 14 – Hind CoveSite no 15 Green Cove/Looking Stead. Start Forest track eastern valley at 04:40hrs - end back at car 10:30hrs.Distance walked: 6.1kmAltitude climbed: 455mWeather: Weather VP1 First sign of light in sky - No real ground visibility - Wind F 0-1 - No cloud Weather VP2Offical sunrise 06:24hrs - actual sunrise 06:29hrsSunny - No wind - No cloud - vis c30kmWeather VP3Sunny - No wind - No Cloud -vis c30kmWeather VP4Sunny - Wind springs up EF2-4 - No cloud - vis c30kmVantage point details:VP1 - PillarCove/Pillar Rock - site no 13 - NY1720 1267 - 485m aslVP2 - Hind Cove - site no14 - NY1779 1220 - 617m aslVP3 - Green Cove West - site no15 - VP on Proud Knott - NY1819 1204 - 597m aslVP4 - Green Cove/Looking Stead - site no15 - VP in Green Cove -NY1841 1200 - 492m asl




Site no 16 – Kirkfell Crags Site no 17 – Boat How Crags (Kirkfell)Site no 18 – Gable Crag/Greengable Crag Start end of forest track eastern valley at 04:25hrs - end back at car 09:15hrs.Distance walked: 8.7kmAltitude climbed: 577mWeather:Weather VP1First glimmer of light in sky - No ground visibility - No wind - clear sky - Good visWeather VP2Wind EF1-2 - No cloud - Very good vis - by 05:40hrs good ground visibilityWeather VP3Offical sunrise 06:05hrs - Sun hits Pillar summit 06:06hrs - Sunny - No cloud - Wind EF0-1 occ F2 - Vis >30kmWeather VP4VP still in shade but Gable Crag in sun - Wind EF2-3 - No cloud - vis>30kmVantage point details:VP 1 - site no 16 -Kirkfell Crags - NY1940 1148 - 505m aslVP2 - site No 16 - Kirkfell Crags - NY1922 1142 - 546m aslVP3 - site no 17 - Boat How Crags (Kirkfell) - NY2000 1114 - 583m aslVP4 - site no 18 - Gable Crag/Greengable Crag - NY2104 1073 - 640m asl


Site no 9 – Mirk Cove/East Slope SteepleSite no 10 – Long Crag Start Low Beck track at 04:10hrs – end back at car 07:45hrs Distance walked: 6.3kmAltitude climbed: 488mWeather:Weather VP1First glimmer of daylight - No wind - Clear skies - Good vis - Very good listening conditions, no sound of running water - No need to use head torch to walk with by 05:10hrsWeather VP2Ideal conditions - Wind nil to WF1-2 - Vis 30km - 10% high cloud - Offical sunrise 06:05hrsVantage point details:VP1 - site no 10 - Long Crag - NY1580 1211 - 546m aslVP2 - site no 9 - Mirk Cove/East slope Steeple - NY1593 1171 - 644m asl


Site no 7 - Great Cove/Little Gowder CragSite no 8 - Mirklin Cove/West Slope of SteepleStart Low Beck track at 04:10hrs – end back at car 07:57hrs Distance walked: 7.8kmAltitude climbed: 513mWeather:Weather VP1



First glimmer of daylight at 05:07hrs - No wind - Clear skies - Good vis - Very good listening conditions - Light frostWeather VP2Ideal conditions - Wind nil to EF1 - Vis >20km - No cloud - Offical sunrise 06:00hrs - 06:30hrs sun strikes top of Little Gowder Crag, but VP still in shade.Vantage point details:VP1 - site no 8 - Mirklin Cove/West Slope of Steeple - NY1533 1172 - 586m aslVP2 - site no 7 - Great Cove/Little Gowder Crag - NY1460 1100 - 665m asl


Site no 2 - Ben GillSite no 3 - Revelin Crag/The PinnaclesStart at Bleach Green car park 04:05hrs - end at Bleach Green car park 06:57hrsDistance walked: 5kmAltitude climbed: 400mWeather:Weather VP104:45hrs very first vestiges of light - Reasonable ground vis by 05:20hrsNo cloud – Wind S F2 - Vis >15kmWeather at VP2Offical sunrise 05:56hrs - Broad daylight, good ground vis -No cloud - Wind SF1-2 - Vis >15kmWeather at VP3Sun hits slopes of Grike - No wind - No cloud - Vis c15kmVantage point details:VP1 - site no 3 - Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles – VP at “Gorilla Rock” - NY0938 1475 - 367m aslVP2 - Revelin Crag/The Pinnacles - site No 3 – VP at The Pinnacles - NY0962 1472 - 404m aslVP3 - Ben Gill - site no 2 - NY0891 1482 - 293m asl


Site no 5 - Boathow Crag (Side)Start Survey at Grike weather stn 04:15 hrs - back at car 06:45hrsdistance 4.9km - ascent 156mDistance walked: 4.9kmAltitude climbed: 156mWeather:Weather VP1Offical sunrise 05:40hrs - 100% cloud - Cloudbase c600m - Wind WNW F0-1 - Vis > 20km - Rain 05:25-05:30hrsVantage point details:VP1 - site no5 - Boathow Crag (Side) - NY1115 1360 - 358m asl

Ring Ouzel Survey No 8 – 02/05/2015 Site no 15 - Green Cove/Looking SteadStart end of forest track eastern valley at 03:45hrs - back at car 07:10hrs



Distance walked: 5.5kmAltitude climbed: 419mWeather:Weather VP1 & VP2No wind - Clear skies - Very good vis - Some snow patches c700m - Cold - Offical sunrise 05:30hrs - Actual sunrise 05:45hrsVantage point details:VP1 - site no15 - Green Cove/Looking Stead - NY1849 1174 - 580m asl VP2 - site no15 - Green Cove West - VP on Proud Knott - NY1820 1205 - 595m asl



Appeal for RecordsTo improve our knowledge of birdlife in Ennerdale, The Wild Ennerdale project would appreciate any records of the 3 key target study species: red grouse, dipper or ring ouzel. Please provide a six figure grid reference and date of sighting. Any photographs would be gratefully received. Details can be e-mailed directly to the author at [email protected] or directly to The Wild Ennerdale project


mailto:[email protected]


MapsThere are 9 maps which include the 8 survey maps and a map showing “The Wild Ennerdale ring ouzel study area established in 2007”


Documents

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus survey - Wild Web viewRobinson’s Cairn and Pillar, Ennerdale - Peter Ullrich April 2015. Bird Monitoring 2015. Ring Ouzel . Turdus. torquatus. survey